Tēnā koutou katoa,

As we previously advised the school community, the Board was carrying two vacancies for parent representatives that were required to be filled. The Board opted to fill the vacancies by Board selection unless 10% of parents and caregivers indicated by a certain date that they wanted an election to be held to fill the vacancies. We received six requests for an election from parents and caregivers. Accordingly, the Board then proceeded with selection.

We are pleased to confirm that Shane Mareroa and Megan Hawkins are joining the Board as our two new parent representatives. For those of you who don't know Shane and/or Megan, here are their brief bios:

Shane Mareroa

'Kia ora te whānau. I have been a part of Kaurilands School since 2021. My wife Donna and I have three girls, the eldest is in Year 4. I own and operate a workforce management business that specialises in the recruitment, training, and management of staff (various industries) throughout the wider Auckland region. I look forward to supporting the aspirations of our staff, students, parents and the wider community.'

Megan Hawkins

'Kia ora, I'm Megan and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve our amazing Kaurilands School community as a new member of the School Board. I run my own business as a Virtual Assistant, offering admin and copywriting support to some incredible local businesses, and talented creatives. For over 15 years I worked for local Members of Parliament, and I look forward to using the knowledge and experience I gained there to support our school community. My husband Cliff and I are both Westie raised and wouldn't dream of raising our two kids anywhere else! Nathan is now 11 years old and graduated from Kaurilands in 2023, and Hadley is 6 years old and now in Year 2. Both of them have thrived at Kaurilands, and I'm grateful to be able to give back to the best school in the West as a parent representative on the Board.'

Unfortunately the Board's staff representative, Nick Van den Borst, is unable to continue in the role due to his study commitments, having been awarded a TeachNZ study grant for this year. While it is unfortunate that Nick cannot continue in the role, we appreciate the opportunity he has been given to extend upon his own learning and the benefits of that study not only for Nick but our wider school community. We are grateful for the valuable contributions Nick made during his time on the Board and wish him all the best with his studies. 

Following an election process to fill the staff representative vacancy, we are very pleased to confirm Hayley Jesperson has been confirmed as the new staff representative on the Board. 

Hayley Jesperson

'Kia ora, I am Hayley Jesperson. I have been involved with the Kaurilands School community for over 25 years both as a parent and a staff member. My 4 adult children attended the school. I am currently the Year 0/1 team leader and teach a Year 1 class in Room 17. I have been on the Board of Trustees as a Parent representative and am now on for a second time as the Staff representative. It is great seeing the governance side of the school in action.'   

We're excited about Shane, Megan and Hayley joining the Board and the different perspectives they will bring. They will be on the Board until the next scheduled elections (next year), when the school community will have a chance to have their say on the full Board. 

Ngā mihi maioha

Jaimee Kirby-Brown

Chair – Kaurilands School Board